Mission
The mission of Saint David's School is to educate boys to fulfill their potential through rigorous academic pursuit, deliberate moral introspection, and critical analysis of ideas and issues.
The classical tradition of balance has guided Saint David's School since its inception in 1951. Founded as an independent elementary school by nine Catholic families, the school remains committed to the teachings of the Church. Saint David's boys are taught to respect and learn from all religious traditions, to recognize their own capacity for spiritual experience, and to develop strong moral values. Our community includes boys and faculty of many religious backgrounds. Saint David's school is a true community, known for its sense of family, compassion, and kindness. The tradition of the school affirms that elementary education is important in its own right and should always be compelling, joyful, and designed to serve self, others, and God. Mastery of academic skills and a strong sense of self-confidence enable our graduates to excel at the secondary school level and beyond. Saint David's boys distinguish themselves as young men of ideas and ideals, action and reflection, who fulfill the aspirations of the Founders "... that they be good men."
Built upon the foundation and framework of our pillars (Academics, Arts, Athletics, Spirituality), our mission guides our practice within the following four components:
Academics - Saint David's educates boys to be scholars who engage in rigorous academic pursuit and critically analyze ideas and issues. Boys work collaboratively, are intellectually curious, and creative.
Arts - Boys develop an appreciation for the arts and beauty in all of its manifestations. They critically determine aesthetic value and are keen observers of the world around them.
Athletics - Skill, sportsmanship, and teamwork guide the athletic program. While our boys have a healthy competitive spirit, honor the game and the underlying skills is paramount.
Spirituality - Boys distinguish themselves as young men of ideas and ideals. Open-minded and humble, they appreciate difference and act in service of the greater common good.
About Saint David's
Located at Twelve East Eighty-ninth Street in Manhattan, the school is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, subscribing to its Principles of Good Practice for admission of students. Saint David's also belongs to the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York. Boys are admitted to Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Since its founding in 1951, Saint David's has graduated more than 2,200 students. Our graduates have successfully gone on to the most competitive New York City secondary and regional boarding schools in the world. The school’s Headmaster is Dr. P. David O’Halloran (2004-Present).